Cope was one of three players that was released from the Philadelphia Union. The other two were Robbie Derschang and Michael Seamon.

According to philadelphiaunion.com reporter, Kevin Kinkead, “They (Philadelphia Union) had another rookie center back in camp, Richard Marquez, from University of Redlands, and they just felt that he had a stronger preseason than Kevin Cope,” Kinkead said in an email. “They think Marquez has been one of the biggest surprises in camp.”

Richard Marquez was drafted 44th overall by the Union in the 2014 Major League Soccer Super Draft. Cope was drafted 25th overall.

“Additionally, they’re looking for a veteran CB to pair with Amobi Okugo this season,” Kinkead added. “They’ve already got Ethan White on the roster as third CB, and Sheanon Williams fills in as well, so there was no way they could keep both Kevin Cope and Richie Marquez in the squad.”